This phone does not feel premium in the hand, the back material is not glass, but plastic, and cheap easily-scratched plastic at that. Additionally I've got the now well known flash bleed issue.

I'm sending mine back, and I would recommend any potential buyers try holding one in hand before you actually purchase it. The plastic back might not be a problem for some people but for others (like me) it is a total deal-breaker, especially given the whitepaper Sony released did mention the back being glass.

Throw in audio issues (really low maximum volume), and the variability in screen quality (I got lucky - mine is a JDI), and you have a phone where the reality doesn't meet the fantasy promised by all the glowing reviews.

Hat3r, 19 Feb 2014When you said "compared to samsung"I, or we immediately know who you are and what ar... moreI have this phone. I let go of Samsung to try something new and this is my first Sony. Not talking about the crazy gimmicks that the Galaxy series have but the small things like, quick access to the task manager from the notifications pane, the long press on the toggles to access their respective menu, adjusting the notifications sound and ringer sound separately, SMS delivery report with sound, turn phone to mute ringer, changing fonts without root and some other minor things make the Samsung software smarter. The Sony video camera app doesn´t even have a video recording pause button. I hope that you understand my point...

james2312, 10 Feb 2014Hi, I agree 100% with you. The Z1C pics look sooo bad (especially with the comparison tool). W... moreI only have one thing to say to those waiting for the perfect phone.Amazing pictures are being taken with pro camera tools, not with a phone.The phone is made for ocasional amateurs momments seising opportunities and not for high resolution ubber quality pictures.

Since your expectations are rising every year due to various technology developing, I believe that perfect phone will never be there for you but in my oppinion, the Z1c in this very momment is the best you can get.I, personally will go get it and I will be pleased about it.I have the ZR and the battery last for TWO FULL DAYS with average or beyond daily usage.Now I can assure you, that's something not many smartphones can do nowadays.

J.R., 10 Feb 2014This phone was ruined by the poor choice of materials for the front, (non oleophobic glass cov... moreWhen you said "compared to samsung"I, or we immediately know who you are and what are you doing here.
Go get your bashing to some low quality phones forum and buy your pathetic copy of apple 5s, the brand new Samsung Galaxy S5 with fingerprint scan button.Amazing innovation as well as many functions with no use whatsoever in real life.Stop visting Sony page if you like Samsung.I never check any producer page unless i'm interested in their phones.Seems youa are too but your frustrations of having an old Samsung phone and can't afford to buy Sony's products can't simply let you live your life.

It's all subjective and down to taste. Many people are completely satisfied with the Z1C's camera. Others are simply overly picky and judgmental b****es and will find a fault in anything they get their hands on. I have a Z1C and couldn't be happier with the camera, I've used many camera phones before and only a few Nokias top this. So please don't make baseless recommendations. If you have something to gripe about, then pick up a real camera.

This phone was ruined by the poor choice of materials for the front, (non oleophobic glass covered by a cheap plastic film that scratches easily), and the back, (plastic that scratches easily). You WILL have to use a case or else the brand new feeling will last for a couple of hours while you discover your new phone, and then, kaput; scratches everywere. Sony just can´t get it right. Also, compared to Samsung, Sony´s software is way simpler and "dumber". Function wise, this phone is very basic.

pipo, 06 Feb 2014@Anonymous from 4QSR: Did you even bother to LOOK at these pictures?
http://cdn.gsmarena.co... moreHi, I agree 100% with you. The Z1C pics look sooo bad (especially with the comparison tool). Well I think I will wait for the Z2C (Size does matter to me). I think a lot of people are missing the point. They are trying to be fans of a company (sony, samsung, apple) instead of objectively looking/reading at what gsmarena is trying to show in their reviews. I think people looking for such a high end phone deserve the best or at least the best that can be achieved nowadays. And speaking about software updates, I do not think sony can fix this one. There are also a lot of reviewers saying someone must have the phone to write about it. In fact I gave a rating only for 3 devices that I actually own but on the other hand I think websites like this one are the first/best place to see if I should pay so much for a phone that seems terrific but only on paper, showing under a real test that the most important feature (the camera) does not deserve the name. Actually I think the "older" xperia Z (not Z1) produces better images. I highly recommend to potential Z1C buyers to really take a closer look at the review pics (1:1) and the comparison tool like pipo suggested. Greetings.

pipo, 06 Feb 2014@Anonymous from 4QSR: Did you even bother to LOOK at these pictures?
http://cdn.gsmarena.co... moreAre those the only shots you looked at? There are far greater results...And I know yeah yeah...After the update, but there was even better ones after the update. Did you look at the comparisons?? It holds up quite nice and I'm sure to see even better results after another update or so. Sadly it does take Sony some time with software. Plus some awesome burst mode shots.

pipo, 06 Feb 2014What a crap camera?!?!?
Is this the best they can do on Android?
The pics look like they'r... moreU know nothing about cameras U troll, Sony xperia z1 beat 1020 as tested among UK people competing with other smartphones.